Houston Baptist University Catalog

Speech Communications (COMM) Course Descriptions

COMM 1101 Forensic WorkshopPrerequisite: Permission of the instructorWorkshop for students who actively compete in mock trial tournaments. A maximum of four semester hours may be counted toward a degree.

COMM 1323, Rhetoric and Public SpeakingThis course improves communication skills in a variety of contexts and develops an understanding and appreciation of the importance of public rhetoric in a democratic society. Since ancient Greek and Roman times, rhetoric has been taught both as the foundation of a liberal arts education and as an essential skill of democratic citizenship.

COMM 2101 Forensic WorkshopPrerequisite: Permission of the instructorWorkshop for students who actively compete in mock trial tournaments. A maximum of four semester hours may be counted toward a degree.

COMM 3101 Forensic WorkshopPrerequisite: Permission of the instructorWorkshop for students who actively compete in mock trial tournaments. A maximum of four semester hours may be counted toward a degree.

COMM 3324 Legal CommunicationPrerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323.This course examines the central role that communication occupies in the study, practice, and understanding of the legal process. Students will be introduced to key elements of the communication process relevant in legal settings, learn basic and advanced principles of trial advocacy through participation in a mock trial.

COMM 3334 Argumentation and AdvocacyPrerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323.This course explores the nature, types, effects, and ethical dimensions of argument. Current public policy issues will be considered in classroom discussions, with the goal of teaching students how to express themselves clearly in speaking and writing.

COMM 4101 Forensic WorkshopPrerequisite: Permission of the instructorWorkshop for students who actively compete in mock trial tournaments. A maximum of four semester hours may be counted toward a degree.

COMM 4314 American Public AddressPrerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323.A study of the speakers and speeches that have shaped our history from colonial America to the present. The tools of rhetorical criticism will be developed and applied.

COMM 4315 Political CommunicationPrerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323This course investigates the role of communication in contemporary American politics. Topics to be discussed include speeches, rhetorical artifacts, and political campaigns.

COMM 4323 Intercultural CommunicationPrerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323.A study of the impact of globalization, technology, travel, and immigration on communication. The effects of culture and experience on perception are also studied.

COMM 4373 Internship in Speech CommunicationPrerequisite: Permission of instructor prior to the beginning of the semester registeredDirected work experience in a variety of public and private organizations. The primary objective of this course is to provide students with opportunities to apply speech communication theory and practice in a career-oriented setting. Also provides students with the opportunity to attain applied research experience.